Labour Party Says It Was Worst Hit by Justice Lifu’s Judgments, Faults Deregistration Ruling Against ADC

 

Abuja, June 23, 2026 — The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized recent judicial decisions delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing them as a “miscarriage of justice” and warning that they pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party had been vindicated by the controversy surrounding Justice Lifu’s recent ruling ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and other political parties.

According to Ifoh, the Labour Party had previously raised concerns over Justice Lifu’s handling of a leadership dispute involving the party but claimed that those concerns were ignored until similar rulings began affecting other political parties.

“The problem with many Nigerians is that when injustice happens to one person, others remain silent until it affects them directly,” Ifoh stated. “When Justice Peter Lifu delivered what we considered a questionable judgment against the Labour Party leadership, few people spoke out. Today, others are affected and everyone is beginning to raise concerns.”

Labour Party Recounts Leadership Dispute

The Labour Party spokesperson traced the controversy to a suit filed by Nenadi Usman against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the party’s March 2024 national convention.

According to him, the initial case, filed in October 2025, was assigned to Justice J.K. Omotosho, who had previously delivered judgments concerning the party’s convention. However, the matter was later discontinued and refiled before Justice Peter Lifu.

Ifoh argued that the reassignment of the case raised concerns within the party, adding that Labour Party officials believed the matter should have remained before the original judge.

He further alleged that during proceedings, the court refused requests for an adjournment to enable the party respond to issues raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress, which had sought to join the suit.

According to him, Justice Lifu insisted on proceeding with the hearing despite objections from the party’s legal team.

Allegations of Bias

The Labour Party spokesman also alleged that the eventual judgment favoured Alex Otti and Nenadi Usman, claiming that comments allegedly made by Otti before the ruling suggested confidence about the outcome of the case.

Ifoh argued that the judgment contradicted established legal principles, including the doctrine that internal party leadership matters are generally the affairs of political parties and that lower courts should not reinterpret decisions of the Supreme Court.

He maintained that the Labour Party remains dissatisfied with both the Federal High Court ruling and its affirmation by the Court of Appeal.

Democracy Under Threat, LP Warns

The party warned that recent judicial developments could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral process.

“The judiciary, democracy, the rule of law, and the Electoral Act are under serious threat,” Ifoh said.

He called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to uphold what he described as longstanding principles of justice and constitutional democracy when handling related appeals.

The Labour Party spokesman also urged the National Judicial Council to take steps to protect the integrity of the judiciary, warning that public trust in the institution could be eroded if controversial judgments continue unchecked.

Appeal for Judicial Reforms

Ifoh concluded by invoking the legacy of former jurists whom he described as defenders of the rule of law, including Chukwudifu Oputa, Kehinde Esho, Patricia Kure, and Karibi-Whyte.

He urged judicial authorities to safeguard democracy and ensure that court decisions continue to command public confidence.

The press conference was held on June 23, 2026, and signed by Obiora Ifoh in his capacity as National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party.